Akasha puts a new spin on mascara

SAN FRANCISCO Akasha has introduced the new Spinlash, a mascara with a rotating brush.

The Spinlash brush rotates to remove clumps, coat and separate with each turn, and it also applies a liquid line of eyeliner all at the same time.

“We sent out samples and our customers discovered the innovation: If you hold the wand at the base of the eyelashes and pause for just a moment, before stroking upwards, you actually get a perfect coat of mascara and a professional application of eyeliner—all at the same time,” stated Barbara Carey, inventor of the Spinlash.

According to Tompkins, the company has increased efficiency and elevated its energy savings. Energy usage is expected to decrease by as much as 40 percent to 60 percent.

“The environment is a priority for Burt’s Bees, and as we continue to grow, we are ensuring that we remain true to our commitment to the greater good in all we do,” stated Tony Quartararo, executive vice president of supply chain at Burt’s Bees. “With our new, more efficient operations and equipment, we are able to reduce the amount of energy we use and reduce costs at the same time. It’s a win/win situation.”

The company leased a 144,000-square-foot distribution center in Morrisville, N.C., and implemented new material handling equipment. The Tompkins Warehouse Control System, which includes a system backup and event logging, was also installed for better new material handling equipment control.

Mintel: beauty manufacturers tapping into public desire for ethical cosmetics

CHICAGO Beauty manufacturers are riding the natural and ethical wave with new launches that focus on the environment, animal safety and human rights, suggests recent research from Mintel Global.

According to the data from the Mintel Global New Products Database Cosmetic Research, more than 2,800 ethical cosmetic and skin care products were launched in the United States last year. In just the first five months of 2008, more than 1,800 new ethical beauty products have appeared on retail shelves.

“Beauty manufacturers have tapped into natural and ethical claims as a way to differentiate their products,” stated Nica Lewis, senior analyst at Mintel. “With ‘green living’ a hot issue for many Americans, companies have begun to highlight their use of natural ingredients and environmentally friendly packaging.”

The report found that cruelty-free is the most widely made ethical claim in new U.S. beauty products. In 2007, nearly 1,600 beauty and personal care products were introduced with a “cruelty-free” claim. In Mintel’s consumer research, 2-in-5 American women said they look for beauty products that were not tested on animals.

The organic trend in food has fueled the inclusion of natural contents in beauty products. The research found that 35 percent of American women surveyed cited natural ingredients as influential to their purchase decisions.

In addition, 12 percent of women cited recycled packaging as important to their beauty purchasing decision.

Forgotten Password

Registration complete

REGISTER

USERNAME *

Spaces are allowed; punctuation is not allowed except for periods, hyphens, and underscores.

E-MAIL ADDRESS *

A valid e-mail address. All e-mails from the system will be sent to this address. The e-mail address is not made public and will only be used if you wish to receive a new password or wish to receive certain news or notifications by e-mail.

Password *

Confirm Password *

Please choose a password for your account; it must be 8 - 30 characters. .

First Name *

Last Name *

Company Name *

Job Title *

ZIP *

Are you a *

Retailer or Healthcare professional

Non-Retailer

How many stores do you operate?: *

Which best describes the business/industry you work in?: *

Which best describes your job title?: *

Please select the newsletters you would like to subscribe to

DSN A.M.
Daily news stories covering the retail drug industry

Breaking News
First-to-the-market with developing stories in the industry